The Catholic diocese of Murang’a has inaugurated the CDM education office scholarship fund to support academically gifted but financially disadvantaged learners in the diocese.
The fund was inaugurated with a seed amount of Sh2.3 million.
The diocese marked its Education Day 2025 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral grounds in a colorful event that was presided over by Bishop James Maria Wainaina and graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, the Most Rev. Hubertus Matheus Van Megan.
The event brought together thousands of learners, educators and school representatives from Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties to celebrate the holistic, academic and extracurricular achievements made over the past year.
Speaking during the event, the apostolic nuncio called on all the education stakeholders to strive to offer holistic education and formation and give every child a chance to get education.
“Rich or poor, everyone should be welcome in our schools to gain both intellectual and physical values and as the Catholic Church, we will support our institutions as they strive to offer competence-based education,” he said.
The Nuncio called on educators to teach the truth just like Jesus taught in the scriptures.
“Let us teach them the truth and bring up men and women of great value and contribution to the world through education, arts, music, theater or even dancing, as we all know one may not be a good professor but may be an exceptional plumber or artist,” he added.
On his part, Bishop Wainaina noted that in order to ensure that all learners get a chance to pursue education, the diocese had decided to open a scholarship kitty that will be funded by the education walks that take place annually.
“We want to give back the benefits from the annual walk to the society by supporting the needy participants through education, and we will do so every year starting today with a kitty of Sh2.3 million,” he said.
He urged the young people to seek to improve the quality of their life as that was the very essence of getting an education.
“You are the hope of our future; seek to improve your life as well; do not just wait to receive from your teachers,” he said.
The diocesan education secretary, Rev Fr Stephen Kara, observed that the scholarship kitty that is drawn from the annual charity walks will enable the bright but needy students to remain in school.
“We want our schools to become beacons of hope for our young people because they are the joy and the hope of the church and the society and that is why we emphasize on quality education for all,” he noted.
The TSC Director of the central region, Elijah Omwega, lauded the teachers from the region for the commendable work they are doing of shaping the future of the learners.
He also called on them to ensure they develop mentorship programs that will take care of learner’s self-esteem without puncturing their confidence.
“Remember that these learners are abled differently; there is a musician and an entrepreneur in that class, so let us avoid abuse or humiliation but encourage them so as to build a confident generation.”
Kirinyaga County Director of Education Lydia Mutegi, also present, urged all the education stakeholders to work together so as to build a great future and a habitable society.
She lauded the leadership of the diocese for investing heavily in education and subsequently playing a role in shaping the lives of the learners.
The education day 2025 celebration was held under the theme ;Learning institutions: centers of hope, faith and formation “ a hope that does not disappoint” A theme inspired by the Jubilee year of hope.
By Florence Kinyua
